President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the news of the passing away of the First Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
President Buhari’s condolence message is contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday.
The President said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Nigeria, it is with immense sadness that I received the news of the passing away of the First Executive President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari which event happened on Friday in Abuja.”
He described the death as the departure of a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged.
President Buhari recalled part of the birthday message he (Buhari) sent to him last February when he said, “ we are enthralled and regaled with the many years of unequalled patriotism, sacrifices and contributions to national development.
“More specifically, we celebrate the role modelling qualities of integrity, diligence and humility that have been the hallmark of your visionary leadership.”
The President was grateful to God that Shagari lived to a ripe age and led an exemplary life, which he urged Nigerians of all walks of life to emulate.
“Nigerians held him in the highest esteem even when he was out of office until his demise and will forever miss his wise counsels,’’ he added.
He prayed that almighty God would comfort the family of the ex-president and all those who mourned him and will grant the soul of the former president eternal rest.
A QUINTESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVANT — SARAKI
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, says former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, was a quintessential public servant.
Saraki, whose reaction came in two tweets via his verified Twitter handle, said the late elder statesman “dedicated his best years in the service of our nation and its people.”
He said, “My family and I join the entire nation to mourn the passing of former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who led our nation in the Second Republic.
“President Shagari was a quintessential public servant, haven served in seven cabinet positions and as a legislator.
“He dedicated his best years in service of our nation and its people.
“May Allah grant him a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus.”
QUINTESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVANT WHO WAS BECKONED TO SERVE – IBB
Former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR who died today.
Babangida, one of the military officers that toppled Shagari’s government in December 1983, issued a statement of condolence, in which he also described Shagari as the “quintessential public servant who was “Beckoned to Serve”.
Shagari was just three months old in his second term when the military officers removed him in a bloodless coup and cut short the Second Republic.
“My heart and prayers go to his Family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sokoto Caliphate and Sokoto state”, Babangida wrote..
” Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a statesman and democrat whose wisdom, counsel, presence and experience and his sterling qualities of honesty and transparency are needed in these very trying moments of our national life.
“President Shehu Shagari was a great patriotic leader and an accomplished gentleman, at first a teacher, an administrator, a technocrat and an honest decent unassuming simple Nigerian Leader.
“He will be remembered for his tolerance and politics of peace without bitterness.
” President Shehu Shagari was a nationalist who never showed any discrimination due to ethnicity or religion and was a very dependable bridge builder.
“To keep his memory alive Nigerian politicians and indeed all fellow Nigerians must put to practice all his ideals of peace and party politics without rancour, irrespective of any form of provocation.
Babangida urged all persons vying for political offices to emulate him and keep alive the political principles of the late Turakin Sokoto.
“I pray for the repose of his soul in Jannatul Firdaus. I pray that the entire nation, his Family, Sokoto State and indeed the Sokoto Caliphate will accept his passing with equanimity”, Babangida added.
OBASANJO: SHAGARI PLAYED KEY ROLE IN NIGERIA’S PRE-, POST-INDEPENDENCE POLITICS
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday extolled the late former president, Shehu Shagari’s role in Nigeria’s pre- and post-independence politics.
Obasanjo gave the eulogy in a condolence letter addressed to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.
He described late Shagari as a humble, patriotic, amiable and notable Nigerian leader.
Obasanjo expressed his deep respect for the achievements of the late Shagari in the course of his long life, describing him as one of the principal actors in Nigeria’s pre-independence and post-independence politics.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to say how deeply grieved I was to hear of the death of His Excellency, President Shehu Usman Shagari.
“On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I wish to commiserate with you, the entire members of his family and the good people of Sokoto State over the passing of this humble, patriotic, amiable and notable Nigerian leader.
“He held various positions as a parliamentarian in the Federal House of Representatives representing Sokoto West in 1954, as a Parliamentarian Secretary 1958-1959, as a Federal Minister and Commissioner in different ministries and capacities between 1959 and 1975.
“I remember his role as Commissioner for Finance, while he and I served in the government of General Yakubu Gowon. He was thorough.
“And later, I saw him as my successor in government as a democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983.
“In all his national assignments, he was forthright, dedicated and showed great commitment in the discharge of his duties.
“He was a unifying force for the nation and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot easily be forgotten.
“In all situations, he lived nobly and he died in nobility.
“President Shagari died at a time the country and its leadership is in dire need of such leadership, experience and wisdom to tackle the multi-faceted challenges facing the nation.
“While expressing our sympathies to you, the family of the deceased and the government and people of Sokoto State, we pray the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and give comfort to all those he left behind,” Obasanjo said.
HIS COUNSEL ON NATIONAL ISSUES WILL BE MISSED —OKOWA
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta said on Saturday that Nigeria would greatly miss the late former President Shehu Shagari’s regular counsel on national issues and mediations for peaceful coexistence.
Okowa made this known in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu in Asaba.
“Shagari, embarked on the distribution of seed and fertiliser to farmers to increase nationwide productivity in farming.
“He was a legendary public servant, who dedicated his life to the service of our nation in several capacities – as minister, legislator, and finally as president.
“Shagari’s unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria had been a major encouragement to many governments.
“He made personal sacrifices to help lay the foundation for sustainable democracy in Nigeria before he was overthrown in 1983.
“As a country, we will miss his wise counsel on national issues and peaceful co-existence especially now that the nation is entering an election year,” Okowa said.
He added that the late Shagari worked assiduously to improve the livelihood of many poor and underprivileged people through the Green Revolution programme, which he initiated.
“Our condolences to Nigerians, the Government and people of Sokoto State and Shagari’s family over the demise of the former president.
“We commiserate with the entire Shagari village, the Sokoto Caliphate, and the Shagari family, over the loss of the ex President.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I join the entire nation and the people of Sokoto State to mourn the passing of former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who was President in the Second Republic,” he said.
The governor prayed the almighty God to receive his soul and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
AN EPITOME OF PEACE, HUMILITY, UNITY — SEN. EZE
Sen. Ayogu Eze, the All Progressive Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Candidate in Enugu State, has described the late former Nigerian President, Shehu Shagari, as an epitome of peace, humility and unity.
Eze’s message respects are contained in a condolence message, which he titled: `The End of a Generation’, in Enugu on Saturday.
“The news of Shehu Shagari’s death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s political history.
“He was an epitome of peace and humility; and never ever lost his cool even at the height of his powers as one of Nigeria’s most powerful Presidents.
“Nigeria will miss his simplicity and his unique brand of politics without bitterness.
“He was a detribalised Nigerian, who lived a simple life, shunning a life of ostentation and pageantry since leaving office more than three decades ago,’’ he said.
A NATIONAL LOSS – APGA
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Saturday described the death of former President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari, as the end of an unforgettable era and a national loss.
Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA, said in Awka that Shagari was an iconic politician who played politics with fineness, candour, integrity and without bitterness.
He said the elder statesman’s reign as president of Nigeria from 1979 to 198 was one of the most peaceful and progressive in the annals of the country.
Oye called on contemporary politicians to emulate Shagari’s humility and honesty in leadership.
According to the national chairman, Shagari was a strong believer of technology as major driver of economic development,adding that he had a vision to make the country a truly global competitor.
“I was personally present as he discussed the expansion of PRODA with the agency’s director then, Prof. Gordian Ezekwe.
“Unfortunately, Shagari’s plan to advance the cause of Nigeria’s technological development was aborted by the December 31, 1983 coup,” Oye said in a statement.
Oye called on the Federal Government to sustain the vision of the late President by devoting more resources to research in order to promote technical and technological education in the country.
He urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late former president by naming a national monument after him, in spite of the fact that some institutions already bore his name.
Oye said APGA condoled with the federal government and people of Nigeria, while praying to God to grant his soul eternal repose.
MARK, BAGO, KUKAH EXTOL LATE SHAGARI’S VIRTUES
Sen. David Mark has described the demise of Nigeria’s former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari as a huge loss to the nation.
Mark, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, noted that Shagari’s death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
He said that late Shagari was a rare leader who believed in the sanctity of one indivisible Nigeria that must not be compromised no matter the odds.
“He worked for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He was a man with a large heart and was ever conscious about the well being and welfare of the citizenry,” he said.
The former Senate President added that Shagari demonstrated uncommon leadership skill during his stint as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , pointing that he ensured fairness and equity in the distribution of amenities across the country .
“Even after he left office, Shagari continued to offer useful advice to the younger generation of leaders all in the bid to ensure a better Nigeria.
He observed that Shagari left at a critical time when the nation needed his wisdom and knowledge to navigate through the murky political waters in the land.
Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Umar Bago, described the late Shagari as a charismatic elder statesman who contributed positively to the nation’s socio-economic and political development.
“Late Shehu Shagari had a unique passion for providing solutions to governance for the country. His demise was a big loss to the political scene in Nigeria.
“Indeed Nigeria and Nigerians will greatly miss a political master that championed the course of green revolution and Shagari housing estates across the country ,” he said.
Bago, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Niger state, extended his condolences to the immediate family of late Shehu Shagari ,Sultan of Sokoto and government and people of Sokoto state.
Also, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah said the death of Shagari marked a major milestone in the life of the country.
“The great man lived well and God rewarded him with a long life. The late President was a committed patriot, dedicated to the building of a peaceful and democratic Nigeria.
“In his pursuit of dialogue, he was the first Nigerian leader to invite the Pope to visit our country in 1982, thus, laying the moral foundation for his Ethical Revolution.
“He left a legacy of humility and dedication.
“On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, I extend my condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, of Sokoto State and his immediate family,” kukah said..
A HEAVY LOSS TO NIGERIA -EKWEREMADU
The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed deep grief over the passing on of the Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
Ekweremmadu said on Friday in Enugu that Shagari’s death was a heavy loss to the nation.
He noted that the late elder statesman was a “sage and democrat”.
“I received with a heavy heart the news of the passing on of the Second Republic President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
“He was a democrat by nature, orientation and conviction.
“He was a patriot par excellence, a detribalised elder statesman, bridge-builder, servant-leader, and an epitome of humility, who served the nation and humanity most creditably.
“In and out of office, Shagari clothed the office of the President with decorum and social grace,’’ he said.
Ekweremadu said although the late elder statesman lived to a ripe age of 93, his wealth of experience and treasury of wisdom would still have been most invaluable in the quest to build the Nigeria of our dreams.
“I, therefore, send my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and good people of Sokoto State, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the nation over this irreparable loss.
“May God grant his soul eternal repose,” he said.
NIGERIA HAS LOST A FATHER, TRUE DEMOCRAT – DOGARA
Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, on Friday, mourned former President Shehu Shagari, describing him as a father and true democrat.
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the speaker stated that the former president was an icon of transparency.
”We have lost a father, man of peace, true democrat, patriot and a nationalist.
“He led an exemplary life of service to God and country worthy of emulation. He was a president for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or region,” he said.
Dogara said that the late Shagari led Nigeria with dignity and honour and respected the independence of the legislature and judiciary in the second republic under the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
According to him, he was a bridge builder and one of the major highlights of his presidency was the alliance he formed between the NPN and the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), in accordance with his politics of give and take.
”His demise is a big loss to Nigeria and all lovers of democracy on the African continent.
”His death came at a time we are in dire need of his elderly wisdom and counsel as we navigate the most challenging pace as a nation.
”We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, especially his eldest son, Rep Aminu Shagari, who is our colleague in the House of Representatives, the people of Sokoto state, the Sultanate Council and government of Sokoto over this irreparable loss.
”May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Dogara said.
NANS MOURNS SHAGARI
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, as a patriotic elder statesman, who built bridges of unity in the country.
The National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Mr Bestman Okereafor, gave the condolence message in a statement issued in Enugu on Friday.
Okereafor said: “The attention of the National leadership of the apex students governing body, NANS, has been drawn to the demise of Nigeria’s first elected president, who served between 1979-1983, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
“NANS is joining the Federal Government, all Nigerians both home and in Diaspora and the Shagari family in bidding the former president farewell.
“No doubt Shagari was a patriotic elder statesman worthy of emulation considering how he had continuously given responsive representation to the people.
“For example In 1954, he won a seat at the general election to represent Sokoto South-West Constituency, and four years later, he was appointed parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
“In 1960, he was appointed Minister of Economic Development, and then Minister of Internal Affairs in 1962.
“In 1965 he was Minister of Works and Survey (1965), until Jan. 15, 1966, when a bloody military coup cut short that regime.
” When the military government of Gen. Yakubu Gowon took over after a counter-coup, Shagari was appointed Commissioner of Economic Affairs and later Commissioner of Finance’’.
The NANS spokesman recalled that at the birth of the Second Republic in 1979, a reluctant Shagari emerged the presidential candidate of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), won the election and was sworn-in on Oct. 1 that year.
“It is worthy of note to state that Shagari assembled the best set of Nigerians into his cabinet, suggesting that he was willing to change track and tactics to move the nation in the right direction,’’ he said.
He added that Shagari was simply an embodiment of humility and decency.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace, even as we pray to God to grant him eternal rest,” he said.
NIGERIA HAS LOST A GREAT LEADER, DEMOCRAT — BABATOPE
A former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, has described the death of former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, as a great loss to the nation.
Reacting to his death, Babatope told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the country had just lost a tolerant and peace-loving leader in Shagari.
He said when the deceased was president in the second republic under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), he tolerated scathing criticisms from the opposition and those who did not believe in his government.
Babatope said when he was the spokesman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) ,the main opposition party at that time, he could not remember anytime Shagari clamped down on any politician with opposing views.
“Shagari was a nice and gentleman. He was a great leader and democrat, a model of politics without bitterness.
“I belonged to the UPN and he was president under the platform of the NPN, but I can tell you that Shagari did not have any problem with anybody because of his political views.
“There was no clampdown on anybody under his government and the kind of politically-motivated killings we have nowadays were almost absent.
“Even, Pa Awolowo, an opposition leader, highly regarded him because he was a peace loving leader who abhored violence. I can tell you that because I was the spokesman of UPN.
“The nation has lost a quintessential leader, a true nationalist and statesman; he will be remembered for all the good things his name represents”, he said.
Babatope urged politicians to emulate the deceased Nigerian leader by tolerating people of different political views or affiliations.
He said that the 2019 elections would be totally devoid of problems if the political class and ordinary Nigerians imbibe Shagari’s values of politics without bitterness and respect for rights.
Babatope prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss .
Shagari, born on Feb. 25, 1925, was President of Nigeria during the Second Republic (1979–1983), after the handover of power by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government.
He worked as a teacher for a brief period before entering politics in 1951 and in 1954 was elected to the federal House of Representatives.
Shagari also served seven times in a ministerial or cabinet post as a federal minister and federal commissioner from 1958–1975.
The remains of the former president, who died at the age of 93 on Friday at the National Hospital Abuja, would be transported to Sokoto for burial on Saturday according to Islamic rites.
Shagari was Nigerian president from 1979 to 1983 and won second election before being dethroned by a coup d’etat that brought in Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state.
